Radicular Pain

Radicular pain, also known as radiculopathy, is a type of pain that occurs when the nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord are irritated or compressed.

Causes

• Herniated discs: When the soft gel-like center of a disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing radicular pain.
• Disc degeneration: As we age, our spinal discs can break down and lose their cushioning ability, leading to nerve compression and radicular pain.
• Spondylosis: A condition characterized by the wear and tear of the spine, which can lead to bone spurs and disc degeneration, causing nerve compression and radicular pain.
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause radicular pain.
• Trauma: Injuries such as falls or car accidents can cause nerve compression and radicular pain.

Symptoms

• Pain that radiates along a specific nerve pathway, often following the path of a particular nerve root.
• Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that can be severe and debilitating.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limb or area.
• Muscle weakness or atrophy (shrinkage) in the affected area.
• Decreased reflexes in the affected area.

Diagnosis

Radicular pain is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Medical history: A thorough review of the patient's medical history to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the pain.
• Physical examination: A physical exam to assess muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the affected area.
• Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to visualize the spine and identify any abnormalities that may be causing nerve compression.
• Electromyography (EMG): A test that measures the electrical activity of muscles to assess muscle function and identify any areas of nerve damage.

Treatment

Treatment for radicular pain typically involves a combination of:

• Conservative management: Such as physical therapy, exercise, and medication to manage pain and inflammation.
• Epidural injections: Injecting corticosteroids or other medications into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve compression on the nerves, such as a discectomy or spinal fusion.